In a landmark move aimed at boosting women’s workforce participation and transforming Delhi into a 24×7 business hub, the Delhi government has cleared the way for women to legally work night shifts across commercial establishments for the first time in over 70 years.
The proposed amendments to the Delhi Shops and Establishments Act, 1954, will lift longstanding restrictions that barred women from working past 9 PM in summer and 8 PM in winter. Chief Minister Rekha Gupta hailed the move as a decisive step toward women’s empowerment and economic independence.
“This is not just a labour reform—this is a bold stride toward a more inclusive, progressive, and economically vibrant Delhi,” said CM Rekha Gupta.
Safety Framework at the Core
To ensure women’s safety, the new law mandates:
Written consent from female employees for night shifts
Free and secure transportation
Deployment of female security personnel
Comprehensive CCTV coverage
Well-lit boarding points, clean restrooms, lockers, and internal POSH committees
These protections are non-negotiable, with strict employer compliance expected.
The initiative echoes similar progressive policies already in place in Tamil Nadu, Telangana, Haryana, and Madhya Pradesh, and follows the Supreme Court’s earlier verdict rejecting blanket bans on night work for women, emphasizing the government’s duty to create safe working conditions.
Towards a More Equal Workforce
This policy reform also aligns with Delhi’s broader goal of improving its ‘ease of doing business’ metrics and addressing gender disparities in employment. From retail outlets to call centres and IT hubs, a vast array of industries now stand to benefit from an expanded talent pool—one where women participate equally and safely.